Definition

1. Noun:
   • A platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats: This meaning refers to the physical structure of a wharf or a collection of wharves.
   • A fee charged for the use of a wharf or quay: This meaning refers to the charge or toll for docking at, loading from, or unloading onto a wharf.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Structure):

  • The old wharfage was constructed from sturdy timber and extended far into the harbor.
  • They expanded the port's wharfage to accommodate larger cargo vessels.

• Noun (Fee):

  • The shipping company paid a substantial wharfage for unloading its containers.
  • Wharfage is included in the total port charges for the vessel.

Advanced Usage

• "to levy wharfage": to impose or collect a fee for using a wharf.

  • The port authority has the right to levy wharfage on all commercial vessels.

• "wharfage and demurrage": a common pairing in shipping contracts referring to fees for using the wharf and charges for delaying the loading/unloading of cargo beyond an agreed time.

  • The invoice details separate costs for freight, wharfage, and demurrage.

Variants and Related Words

• Wharf (n): a level quayside area to which a ship may be moored to load and unload.
  • The ship was tied up at the wharf.
• Wharfinger (n): a person who owns or manages a wharf.
  • The wharfinger collected the docking fees.

Synonyms

• Dockage (n): a charge for the use of a dock; also can refer to docking facilities.
• Quayage (n): a fee for the use of a quay; also can refer to quay facilities.
• Pier (n): a platform on pillars projecting from the shore into the sea, used as a landing stage. (Synonym for the physical structure sense).

Related Phrases

• Wharfage dues: another term for the fees charged.
  • The wharfage dues must be settled before the cargo is released.

Noun

1. a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
2. a fee charged for the use of a wharf or quay